Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $75,059 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Marshalltown, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,059 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marshalltown's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,030 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($95,131) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a new graduate entering the field of physical therapy in Marshalltown, Iowa, can expect to earn around $75,059 as a starting salary. This entry-level pay falls below the city’s median annual salary for physical therapists of $95,131, indicating a gap that new graduates should consider when evaluating job offers. While early-career professionals may start at this lower tier, there is a pathway for steady financial progress; salaries typically rise to approximately $79,212 within the first few years, and eventually approach the median as they gain experience. For those considering their first roles in this market, Marshalltown presents a favorable environment due to its manageable cost of living index of 90.4, suggesting that new grad physical therapist pay in Iowa is relatively viable compared to other regions.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Marshalltown
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
Entry-level physical therapists in Marshalltown, IA typically start between $75,059 and $79,212 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,180 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $95,131 — 9.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Iowa of $105,000 represents just 139.89% of the starting physical therapist pay ($75,059/year) in Marshalltown. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Marshalltown
- 1Research the Marshalltown market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $75,059 to $79,212, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Marshalltown, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Marshalltown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Marshalltown's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Marshalltown is $45,180 ( 60.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,059, experienced hygienists can earn up to $120,239.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,993
2025 BLS Actual
$73,257
2026 Current Est.
$75,059
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Marshalltown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,993 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,332 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,813 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,492 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,623 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,354 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,257 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,059 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,906 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Marshalltown, IA grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,993 in 2019 to $73,257 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,906. New graduates entering the Marshalltown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Marshalltown
Employers in Marshalltown that frequently hire entry-level physical therapists include outpatient orthopedic chains, which tend to have structured productivity goals that new graduates can gradually meet as they build their caseloads. Hospital systems often provide residency programs, enhancing the credentialing process and competitive salaries, while skilled nursing facilities, such as Genesis and RehabCare, may offer higher starting pay. New graduates equipped with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and a valid state PT license can bolster their initial pay. Engaging in continued education or seeking board specialization, such as the OCS or SCS, through optional residencies can provide a significant advantage. Newly minted physical therapists should expect a gradual salary increase over their first few years as they adapt to the market's evolving expectations, especially in light of productivity demands influenced by recent changes in reimbursement from CMS affecting all sectors within the industry.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Marshalltown in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Marshalltown?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Marshalltown?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Marshalltown?
How do I become a physical therapist in Iowa?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Marshalltown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Marshalltown is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov